The Civil War Politics and Management

Conscription April, 1862 – Confederate conscription law All men (later 17-45) Criticized as an assault on state sovereignty Included exemptions— –Allowed the hiring of substitutes –20-Negro law March, Enrollment Act (Union) –Ages –Criticized by Democrats as a violation of individual and states rights –Allowed exemptions, substitution, and commutation

Financing the War Both sides avoided substantial increase in taxes Depended on War Bonds and the printing of paper money –Paper money’s value depended on the public confidence in the government U.S. greenbacks declared to be “legal tender” Inflation plagued both sides (Union -80%; Confederacy – 9,000 %) Feb., 1863– National Bank Act (Union)

Supplying the Troops A much bigger problem for the Confederacy –Initially dependent on Europe, and materials taken from Federal arsenals. –Created more factories for weapons (e.g. Augusta Powder Works) –Lost access to food sources (Tenn. and northern Va.) early in the war 1863 – Impressment Act –Included slaves

Economic Impact of the War Union: –Very profitable for munitions and uniform producers –A downturn for industries dependent on Southern cotton or Southern markets –Expansion of the Railroad USMRR; Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 –Western settlement The Homestead Act (1862) acres Morrill Land Grant Act (1862) –Increased tariffs – led to inflation and public protests

Economic Impact of the War Confederacy –Railroad system was destroyed –Cotton production plummeted Britain developed new sources for cotton –Food shortages – led to greater inflation –Destruction of farms

Slaves and Former Slaves Confederacy : –Fear of uprising –Reduced production by slaves Union: –1861 – Confiscation Act –slaves who had assisted the CSA became captives of war –1862 – Second Confiscation Act Granted freedom Blacks could be employed as soldiers –After Emancipation – black regiments formed * CSA treated captured blacks soldiers as slaves or criminals. They were returned to slavery or executed

Lincoln and the Constitution Suspension of Habeas Corpus –Led to Ex parte Merryman- Taney ruled that Lincoln had exceeded his authority Lincoln declared he would decide when rebellion existed; ignored the court Trials of dissenters –Led to Ex parte Milligan – The Court ruled tha civilians could not be tried in military courts when civilian courts were available.

Election of 1864 National Union Party –Lincoln and Andrew Johnson –New party formed to include “War” Democrats Democrats – –McClellan and George Pendleton –the “Peace” Candidate Republicans –John C. Fremont [withdrew in September]